Matra Programme

The MATRA Programme for social transformation has been running in Ukraine since 1993. MATRA started as a programme aimed at helping East European countries, including Ukraine, to become democratic, pluriform constitutional states with a strong civil society. Today, the MATRA Programme still continues to help strengthening civil society, democracy and the rule of law in Ukraine.

To respond effectively to the current challenges and developments in Ukraine, in 2024, the MATRA Programme will help to meet the needs of Ukrainian people during wartime, overcome the consequences of Russia’s aggression, continue with the ongoing reform process, prepare for a post-war recovery and reconstruction, and Ukraine’s European integration.

2024 MATRA PROGRAMME CALL FOR CONCEPT NOTES

The Embassy of the Netherlands invites Ukrainian civil society organisations to submit concept notes under the 2024 MATRA Programme by 31 March 2024.

1. Applicant organisations requirements

  • Be a registered Ukrainian NGO with non-for profit status according to the Ukrainian legislation or an educational organisation. International organisations are allowed to apply;
  • Have an adequate track record, proven management capacity, and expertise in the selected priority areas;
  • Have previous proven experience of implementing projects within the theme of proposed intervention

Collaboration with Dutch organisations is encouraged.

2. Priority areas

  • Strengthening social cohesion and inclusivity, i.e. participation of youth at the local level in war affected communities;
  • Support to vulnerable categories, i.e. reintegration of internally displaced persons and war veterans;
  • Strengthening the rule of law with the focus on independent judiciary, integrity, transparency and accountability;
  • Promoting good governance practices and anti-corruption, specifically in the regions;
  • Providing support for Ukraine’s recovery / reconstruction efforts, including transparent recovery;
  • Promoting parliamentary democracy, upholding democratic participation and citizens mobilisation;
  • Providing support to the EU integration efforts, including advocacy of the reforms.

We strongly encourage the organisations working on the projects with the focus in the frontline regions to apply for the call.

3. Concept note requirements

The concept note will be evaluated against the following criteria:

  • Focus on one or more of the above-mentioned priority areas;
  • Lead to specific, measurable and meaningful results;
  • Not duplicate activities funded by other donors;
  • Have prospects of impact and sustainability;
  • The requested contribution should range between 300.000 EUR – 500.000 EUR. The budget may comprise management costs, including administrative costs and services, as well as the re-granting fund, which are the funds given directly to sub-grantees.
  • Willingness to engage/cooperate with regional/ local CSOs will be considered as an advantage, as well as engaging youth, empowering women leadership, inclusion of vulnerable populations, if possible.

Any concept note not meeting these basic technical requirements will be disqualified without appraisal.

4. Submission details

The concept note should be presented in English and can be found below. Concept notes should be sent with a title as 2024 MATRA Call / Organisation’s name and forwarded to: kie-matra@minbuza.nl.

2024 MATRA concept note template

Applicants can propose projects with a minimum duration 12 months and maximum duration 36 months. Implementation of the proposed projects should start no earlier than July 2024.

The applicants of the shortlisted concept notes will be invited to submit a detailed project proposal for the consideration of the selection committee. All applicants will be informed of the results by e-mail.

All questions related to this call for concept notes should be forwarded to: kie-matra@minbuza.nl till 22 March 2024.

MATRA  call announcement